by Teino Evans, Staff Reporter

( L - R ) Vybz Kartel and Gyptian

Bounty Killer's comeback annual stage show, 'Saddle to the East' last Saturday managed to withstand the threat of Hurricane Ernesto to the island, as hundreds of fans and supporters bundled into the Good Year Oval in St. Thomas.

However, due to an incident involving the police and Sizzla Kalonji during his set, angry patrons hurled bottles unto the stage, tainting the show that had been progressing well.

The vibes had been splendid until that point, as fresh acts and artistes in the young alliance got the live performance section going at 1 a.m. The likes of Hitman Wally, Flexx, Ninja Ford, Anachi, Kibaki and Hit List were just a few of the names that represented well on stage.

At 2 a.m. when the rain began to poor, patrons held their ground, as they were determined to see the talented line up of artistes, come what may. Patrons in the V.I.P section, who were seated, had to give up this comfort, holding their chairs over their heads to shelter from the rain.

It was during this time that DJ Liquid was asked to further spin up a storm on the turntables, as patrons eagerly awaited 'startime'.

Macka Diamond, at 2:15 a.m. was first to open this segment with Lexus And Benz. After a pause, she then asked, "when rain a fall wa happen?" She then started to sing, "Baby yuh really done already."

Voicemail followed, igniting dance frenzy among patrons, as they Gangsta Rocked and had a Weddy Time.

Just before the fire man Capleton entered, it was announced that artistes using profanity would be spending the night in jail, but that did not deter Capleton's Burning News as he heated up the stage. Even the rain stopped to make way for the heat on stage as Capleton declared, 'Wi nuh lotion man' and 'Bugarin, win uh inna di armshouse ting.'

Outside of artistes like Ruffian, Richie Stephens and Da'Ville, the segment was for the Rastas, as Fantan Mojah, Norris Man, I-Wayne, Lutan Fyah, Bascom X, Natty King and Gyptian all represented well.

Foota Hype took the turntables during the final band change, as Teflon and Monster Shack Crew thrilled the audience.

They made way for the alliance. Bling Dawg opened the onslaught, calling on Predator. Wayne Marshall was next closing with I Forgot Them and Marijuana.

Busy Signal made a Step Out and Mavado stuck to his Gangsta For Life songs before they were joined by Sizzla at approximately 5:45 a.m. Idonia later joined the party.

But Sizzla declared, "mi bun police" and they immediately accosted him, sparked the bottle-throwing incident, which forced the Killer to the stage.

Bounty, after cursing the police and bad-minded persons for disrupting the show, threw in a small performance.

( L - R ) Twin of Twins and Wayne Marshall - Roger Chuck photos